Super-Glossy ‘Glass Hair’ Is The Hot New Trend – Here’s How To Get It

While we already know that a hydration boost can give dull skin a gorgeous plumped-up glow, it can also do exactly the same for our hair. “There’s a difference between hair that’s dry and hair that’s dehydrated,” explains hairdresser Belle Cannan. “If your hair is brittle and breaks, this is usually caused by damage from chemicals [colored, relaxed or straightened hair] and excess heat from blow-drying and styling tools, whereas dehydrated hair, like our skin, looks lackluster, dull, flat and can feel dry.” Hair that frizzes up in damp or humid weather is also a giveaway that it is dehydrated.

Although a great finishing product can smooth down flyaways and give instant glow, for hair that ripples like silk and has shine, body and swing, you’ll need a simple, focused regimen to transform it. “Using something to smooth the hair means it smooths the cuticles, which creates a barrier that locks moisture in the hair,” says Cannan. “But, first, you need to get that hydration into the hair, and that is what makes the difference to its quality, health and movement.” As with our skin, adding the right masks into our regimen is key. “Using a weekly hair mask is essential; I like to alternate a hydrating mask one week with a nourishing one the next. And I always use the hydrating mask from root to tip, not just on the lengths and ends.”

“Choosing the right hydrating shampoo, conditioner and mask is the best way to start getting your hair into peak shiny condition – and for curly or textured hair, use a mask every time you shampoo,” says hairdresser Zoë Irwin. “Treating your hair correctly from the start, rather than relying on using oil and finishing products to get it smooth when you blow-dry, is far better for the hair – and will transform its condition and look.”

“If you want to change the quality and condition of your hair, protein or bonding treatments are very popular,” says Irwin. “That said, you can over-use them, which means the hair becomes brittle. I always alternate them with a hydrating mask, as alternating treatments gives much better results.” Swapping a regular mask for a pre-shampoo treatment is also effective (it can be left on for 20 minutes, or overnight, before washing out). “I really like these masks, as they deep-treat the hair,” explains Cannan. “You can use these masks instead of the nourishing masks, but still always finish with a conditioner – even a very light one, if you have fine fair – as it will help to retain moisture.”

“Oiling is great for rehydrating your hair while you sleep,” says Irwin. “Focus on the back of the hair when applying the oil through the lengths, as this part gets particularly damaged. Brush it through, sleep in it, and shampoo it out in the morning. This is a wonderful weekly treatment.”

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